Kids Healthy Living

There are seven components of a healthy diet and all should be taken in moderation. These are carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. Do not over consume any of these food types or liquids (even avoid eating too much fruit if you do not want an upset stomach) and you will have a balanced diet.

Eating carbohydrates provides energy for your cells, organs and tissues; they are fantastic to eat for sportsmen and women. Some carbohydrates such as are “simple” (milk and sugar products are examples) and get burnt up very quickly, making the consumer hungry again shortly. Some carbohydrates are “complex” (wholegrain rice and bread are examples) and take a longer digestion time, keeping the consumer full for longer.

Protein can be consumed through eating meat, beans and pulses. Your body vitally needs protein as is in every human cell; it also repairs skin, muscle and bone. Water is equally as crucial as the human body is about 60% water. We lose this water through sweat and urine so the body constantly requires replenishing.

Minerals are found in fish and vegetables and are important for keeping your bones strong. Examples of minerals include calcium, iron and iodine.

Some vitamin such as vitamin D because you body makes itwhen you are exposed to the UVB rays. You would need from 5 to 30 minutes of exposure to the skin on your body without sun cream twice every week. It is possible to get the direct sun even when you are in doors if you keeps blinds and windows open.

The benefits of wearing the correct clothing whilst exercising cannot be underestimated. If you are going to go on a yoga retreat, take some comfortable clothes with you. If you are not yet happy with the way your body looks then feel free to wear baggy trousers and shirts but some poses may be easier if wearing tighter items.  Capri pants and camisoles are practical but also look good in many different colours.

For casual swimming, there are many fashionable styles of bathing suits and bikinis, but for serious swimmers or sportspeople there are specialised items available. For racing, Arena has a Powerskin R-Revolution suit that keeps stability in the water. In the sea, buy a Streamer Wetsuit that has double liquid seams for 100% water seal, flexibility and warmth.

For skiing, red and black ski suits are the most popular and therefore it is extremely easy to lose your friends in busy areas on a mountain. Head to Billabong for ski jackets that will set you apart from the rest of the crowd on the slopes. They provide all sorts of patterns including polkadots, chequered, striped and plain jackets in exceptionally bright colours.

Useful sport accessories include necklaces that have containers for valuables, watches that count the steps that you have made and swimming caps to keep your hair dry.

Exercising should be part of your lifestyle. Fact.

This is for many reasons:

Firstly, exercising helps to burn off the calories consumed through food and liquid during the day. If you are exercising more than eating, then you should not gain weight but lose it. If your exercise and eating routines are equal then you won’t gain any weight but maintain your ideal weight.

As well as physical health, exercising regularly will significantly decrease your chance of heart attacks and heart disease. The chances of becoming obese are reduced and you will not suffer from high blood pressure as badly anymore since your heart will be healthier.

Your bones will strengthen from exercise, improving bone density and protecting bones from osteoporosis.

Exercise keeps you thinking straight with good mental health. Your sleep, digestion and posture will all improve as well as your attitude towards life. You may feel better about your appearance, especially when you start fitting clothes you have not worn in years.

Kick-start better health by exercising for about 30 minutes each day. Mix it up so you do not get bored. One day could be walking, swimming, running, kickboxing, yoga, hockey, football or weight lifting, for example. Enjoy the benefits and have some fun.

Unfortunately, healthy living does not come naturally to the majority of families. It is something that takes effort and time to achieve. One common myth is that being healthy is more expensive than maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle.

This is wrong. Replacing the bags of crisps or chocolate bars in your weekly shopping with a bag of carrots is no more expensive or for example, if you go on holiday choosing the healthy option on the menu instead of the fatty one, does not cost any more money than usual – in actual fact your money will probably go a lot further.

You can go down to the shops and find lunch deals for sandwiches/pasta and crisps/fruit. Go for the option that is better for you and your children. For example, Nando`s offers grilled chicken, which is a very tasty and healthy option for you and for your children.

So many children are growing up without knowing what particular vegetables and fruits taste or look like. Therefore replacing junk food with healthy food starts your kids on a positive path into life – they will not only be eating better but they will be better educated about what to eat. Especially if you – their parents – are living healthily too.

Along with a healthy diet, ensure that you are exercising all the time too. Encouraging children to participate in sports at school and together as a family put them in good speed for keeping it up later on in life.